Elevate your holiday table or any gathering with this Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with Brie and Cranberry Sauce, a dish that’s as impressive as it is delicious. This recipe combines the rustic charm of sourdough bread with the creamy richness of Brie cheese and the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce, all infused with aromatic garlic and herbs. Perfect for sharing, this stuffed bread is a show-stopping centerpiece that’s sure to delight your guests and satisfy your cravings.
In this article, we’ll guide you through every step of making this mouthwatering dish, offering detailed instructions, storage tips, and answers to frequently asked questions. With over 1,200 words of content optimized for SEO, you’ll have everything you need to create a masterpiece that’s as beautiful as it is flavorful. Let’s dive into the world of savory, cheesy, and herbaceous goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread
Before we begin, here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The tangy cranberry sauce complements the creamy Brie, while garlic and herbs add depth and aroma.
- Easy to Customize: Swap out ingredients like using different cheeses or jams to suit your taste.
- Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is ideal for parties, holidays, or cozy nights in.
- Simple to Make: With just a few steps, you can create a dish that looks and tastes gourmet.
Ready to embark on this culinary journey? Let’s explore the ingredients and detailed instructions.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Here’s what you’ll need to create this festive stuffed bread:
For the Base:
- Large round sourdough bread loaf: Provides a sturdy, flavorful shell for the filling.
- Fresh cranberry sauce: Adds a sweet-tart contrast to the rich Brie cheese.
- Brie cheese, sliced: Melts beautifully and adds a luxurious creaminess.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Infused with garlic and herbs to enhance the bread’s flavor.
For the Herb Butter:
- Garlic, minced: Delivers a savory punch that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
- Fresh rosemary and thyme: Add earthy, fragrant notes to the dish.
- Salt and pepper: Season the herb butter to perfection.
Optional Garnish:
- Additional herbs: Sprinkle fresh rosemary or thyme leaves for a decorative touch.
These simple yet high-quality ingredients come together to create a dish that’s both satisfying and elegant. Now, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to make the most decadent Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread.
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a serrated knife, carefully cut a circle around the top of the sourdough loaf, about 1 inch from the edge. Remove the top and set it aside—you’ll use it later as a lid. Hollow out the center of the loaf, leaving a 1-inch-thick shell. Tear the removed bread into bite-sized chunks and set them aside for dipping.
Pro Tip: Save the torn bread pieces to toast later—they make perfect accompaniments for dipping into the melted Brie and cranberry sauce.
Step 2: Make the Herb Butter
In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Pro Tip: If you’re using dried herbs instead of fresh, reduce the quantity by half, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Stuffed Bread
Spread a thin layer of the garlic herb butter inside the hollowed-out bread shell. Next, layer the bottom of the shell with slices of Brie cheese, followed by spoonfuls of cranberry sauce. Continue alternating layers of Brie and cranberry sauce until the shell is filled to the top, pressing down gently to compact the layers.
Replace the bread lid on top of the stuffed loaf. Spread the remaining garlic herb butter generously over the entire exterior of the bread, including the lid.
Pro Tip: For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the buttered bread before baking.
Step 4: Bake the Bread
Place the assembled bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to catch any drips. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the Brie cheese is melted and gooey.
Pro Tip: To ensure even browning, rotate the bread halfway through the baking time.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with additional fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, for a pop of color and added aroma. Serve the bread warm with the reserved bread chunks or crackers on the side for dipping.
Pro Tip: For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle a bit of honey over the top before serving to balance the savory and tangy flavors.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments:
- As a Standalone Appetizer: Serve it at holiday gatherings, game nights, or potlucks for a crowd-pleasing treat.
- For Entertaining: Arrange it alongside a charcuterie board featuring cured meats, nuts, and olives for a complete spread.
- With Toppings: Experiment with additional toppings like toasted pecans, caramelized onions, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added texture and flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage:
- Room Temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, refrigerate to prevent spoilage.
- Refrigeration: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving to restore its gooey texture.
- Freezing: While freezing isn’t ideal for this dish due to the bread’s texture, you can freeze the unbaked bread shell and fillings separately for up to 1 month. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.
Reheating:
- To reheat, place the bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 30–60 seconds for a quick fix.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different type of bread instead of sourdough?
A: Yes! French bread or ciabatta works well as a substitute. Just ensure the bread has a sturdy crust to hold the fillings.
Q: What can I use instead of Brie cheese?
A: Camembert or goat cheese are excellent alternatives that melt beautifully and pair well with cranberry sauce.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the bread shell and herb butter up to a day in advance. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best results.
Q: How do I make homemade cranberry sauce?
A: Combine 1 cup fresh cranberries, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Let it cool before using.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
A: Definitely! Consider adding caramelized onions, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of honey for extra flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with Brie and Cranberry Sauce is a celebration of flavors, textures, and aromas. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast, entertaining friends, or simply craving a comforting snack, this recipe delivers on all fronts. With its creamy, gooey filling and fragrant herb-infused crust, it’s a dish that everyone will love.
By following the detailed instructions, storage tips, and customization ideas provided here, you’ll be able to create a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the simplicity of this recipe, and treat yourself to a taste of homemade indulgence anytime you’d like. Enjoy every bite of this festive, flavor-packed bread—you deserve it!
Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread Stuffed with Brie and Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 large round sourdough bread loaf (about 8–10 inches in diameter)
- 1 cup fresh cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 oz Brie cheese, sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- salt and pepper to taste
- additional herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using a serrated knife, carefully cut a circle around the top of the sourdough loaf, about 1 inch from the edge. Remove the top and set it aside. Hollow out the center of the loaf, leaving a 1-inch-thick shell. Tear the removed bread into bite-sized chunks and set them aside for dipping.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly incorporated.
- Spread a thin layer of the garlic herb butter inside the hollowed-out bread shell. Layer the bottom of the shell with slices of Brie cheese, followed by spoonfuls of cranberry sauce. Continue alternating layers of Brie and cranberry sauce until the shell is filled to the top, pressing down gently to compact the layers.
- Replace the bread lid on top of the stuffed loaf. Spread the remaining garlic herb butter generously over the entire exterior of the bread, including the lid.
- Place the assembled bread on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the Brie cheese is melted and gooey.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with additional fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, if desired. Serve warm with the reserved bread chunks or crackers on the side for dipping.
